Campbell: Out of action (LGriffiths/GettyImages)

Campbell is suffering from gastroenteritis and has been confined to his bed in a bid to recover in time for next Wednesday's second qualifying game at home to Macedonia.

In Bratislava this Saturday Eriksson will be without both Campbell and Rio Ferdinand, who is undergoing surgery on a knee injury.

Football Association spokesman Paul Newman revealed that Campbell's condition would be reassessed by Eriksson on Sunday following the squad's return from Slovakia.

'Sol has a bout of gastroenteritis, is confined to bed under doctor's instructions and has not eaten anything for the past two days,' said Newman.

As a result of the defender's absence, Eriksson looks likely to turn to the Middlesbrough centre-back pairing of Gareth Southgate and Ugo Ehiogu.

The England coach also has Leeds defender Jonathan Woodgate to consider, while the versatility of Danny Mills and Gary Neville should prevent the need for a replacement.

The last time that England were without Campbell and Ferdinand at the same time was the friendly against Paraguay in April, when Martin Keown partnered Southgate in central defence and a 4-0 victory was secured.

Eriksson will nevertheless feel the absence of two such experienced figures, even if Neville's possible return to the side could help soften the blow.

England captain David Beckham missed training today but is still expected to start the match on Saturday.

The Manchester United midfielder was holding an ice pack to his calf when he left Old Trafford on Monday night following the 3-0 win against Everton.

Beckham, who has played down the injury, was still sitting out training today at Bisham Abbey as a precautionary move but is set to be involved again in time to play against Slovakia.